A LAD of 12 who struggles to walk unaided has been left upset after his specially-designed trike was stolen.

A LAD of 12 who struggles to walk unaided has been left upset after his specially-designed trike was stolen.

The three-wheeled bike, which is worth almost £1,000, was taken by thieves from Danny Walker’s Gateshead home last weekend.

He discovered it was missing on Saturday morning when he was about to cycle over to a relative’s house only to find the spot where it is usually kept empty.

Danny, who suffers from cerebral palsy, which particularly affects his legs, relies heavily on the bike to get around and his mum, Lisa, says he missing out on his independence.

The 42-year-old, of Cranesville, Beacon Lough, said: “Somebody had taken it from the back garden where it had been kept for 14 months without any problems.

“It’s a physio bike and it gets him out with all the other kids when they go on bike rides together.

“It might seem dramatic but it is like legs for him. It gives him his independence and he’s lost without it.”

Lisa and husband Mick were able to buy the £800 bike thanks to a grant from the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund a couple of years ago.

The youngster was born with cerebral palsy, a condition which also affects his sister Claire, 18, and his dad.

Danny said: “The bike’s no good for anyone else, it’s for me. I have been really upset, I use it a lot and it would be boring without it.”

Lisa immediately reported the theft to police who are now appealing to the offenders to return the trike.

Gateshead Chief Inspector Sheila Foggo, said: “Whoever has taken this bike wouldn’t have been aware that they were stealing from a young disabled boy and I would appeal for those who stole it to return it.

“I would ask for anyone who knows who stole the trike or anyone who thinks that they know where it is to contact police straight away so we can get it back to the owners.”

The specially-designed disability bike was taken between 8.30pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday.